Vikings Release First Depth Chart of 2018: 6 Takeaways

Our first initial glimpse into the construction of the 2018 Minnesota Vikings.

On Tuesday, in advance of the Saturday showdown against the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings released the first preseason depth chart of 2018. Although roles may change leading up to the regular season, here’s a look at how the 90-man roster is currently comprised in eyes of the coaching staff.

Borman breakdown

Pat Elflein is currently on the physically unable to perform list. As soon as he’s cleared by the medical staff he’ll be placed on the active roster as the starting center.

Mack Brown is currently listed as the number three running back. He’ll need to maintain his strong performance throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason to fend off Mike Boone, who has shown off his athleticism and speed in Eagan, as well as Roc Thomas. Thomas has been banged up lately but is expected to receive opportunities in the preseason. In a bit of a surprise Thomas is currently listed ahead of Boone on the depth chart.

The starting kicker spot currently belongs to Kai Forbath AND Daniel Carlson. There’s not much of a surprise here considering neither has pulled ahead of the either in training camp, although you have to give the edge to Carlson considering his draft position.

Backing up starters Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle are Jaleel Johnson and Ifeadi Odenigbo. After losing Shamar Stephen earlier in the offseason, two 24-year olds will get their opportunity to spell the veteran trench-men.

Behind starting linebackers Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks and Ben Gedeon are Kentrell Brothers, Antwione Williams and Eric Wilson. All three received praise from defensive coordinator George Edwards for their training camp performances thus far. Since Brothers received a four-game suspension earlier in the offseason it’s possible the Vikings will keep an extra linebacker on the roster while Brothers is out. That could create an opportunity for one of the young linebackers to make the team, but Edwards specifically mentioned that Williams has been performing well at multiple positions. That versatility could help earn Williams a job.

The starting right tackle is Rashod Hill. While that’s not much of a shocker, rookie Brian O’Neill took first-team reps at RT when Hill missed time in camp due to illness. Hill recently returned to practice and re-took his role atop depth chart. The offensive line has suffered multiple injuries in training camp. While the return of Elflein and Mike Remmers are expected in the coming weeks, the future of starting left guard Nick Easton is unknown. Easton is currently receiving a second opinion from a doctor on neck and back issues. If he is to miss a significant amount of time the team may look to address the o-line issues via free agency or trade.

Sean Borman is a writer with Minnesota roots that's still somehow an optimist. He was an intern with the Vikings during college and previously wrote for Rant Sports. You can find Sean on the golf course and on Twitter @SeanBoarMan.

2 Comments

Either Odenigbo gained a lot of weight or they are just messing with us. He’s a 258 lb defensive end, I could see them rotating him inside on passing downs but his inclusion as a DT must be a mistake. I also thought they were working Johnson more at 3-tech vs nose, so that’s the one position where it looks like they may have just picked names out of a hat after the starters. Can’t wait for the games to begin so their play can sort them out.